Fox Renews ‘House’ For Season 8

The popular series will return with its cast largely intact, for what will likely be its final year.

Just a few weeks ago, negotiations between Fox and Universal were so tense that it seemed possible that "House" would end up on NBC next season. But that's in the past. The future of "House" is going to unfold on Fox.

According to Deadline, the negotiations are over and Fox has officially picked up "House" for an eighth season.

"Over the past seven seasons, 'House' has redefined the medical drama and has given us one of television’s most compelling and iconic characters,” said Fox Entertainment President, Kevin Reilly. “From the producers to the incredible writers to the unbelievably talented cast and crew, the House team is fearless in its creativity and I can’t wait to see what they have in store next year.”

Hugh Laurie has one more season on his contract to portray the title character, Dr. Gregory House. The network has also closed deals with Robert Sean Leonard and Omar Epps, while Lisa Edlestein also expected to return once her deal is negotiated. Olivia Wilde is also under contract for at least part of next season. "House" creator, David Shore is also in talks to stay on as an executive producer and he will likely close his deal as well.

However, the report also states that this is widely expected to be the final season of "House."

Of the returning actors, Leonard's deal is the most surprising since he was quoted last month as saying "this is my last season of 'House.' I’m shooting my last episode now. Contractually this is it."

However, Leonard did leave some room to backtrack during that same interview. It's also currently unknown if he will be back for the beginning of the eighth season, which coincides with his run on the Broadway show "Born Yesterday."

Fox will announce the rest of its Fall 2011 schedule later this month.